If you’ve ever spent an afternoon wandering through the north end of Old Town, you know it feels different than the tourist-heavy blocks near King Street. It's quieter. More "lived-in." And right there, sitting at 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314, is a spot that basically anchors the transition from the historic district's brick-and-mortar past to its high-end residential future. People drive by it every day on their way to the GW Parkway without realizing how much the neighborhood's identity relies on this specific patch of real estate.
It’s an interesting spot.
Honestly, the "North End" of Alexandria used to be the part of town you’d mostly ignore unless you were looking for a warehouse or a place to park. But things changed. 625 First Street sits in a zone that has seen an absolute explosion in property values and lifestyle amenities over the last decade. We aren't just talking about another apartment building or a random office space. We’re talking about a location that puts you walking distance from the Montgomery Park tennis courts and the revamped waterfront. It’s a weirdly perfect mix of convenience and "hidden in plain sight" vibes.
What’s Actually at 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314?
Context matters here. When you look up 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314, you're looking at the heart of the Towne Square at Port Royal development. This isn't one of those massive, impersonal glass towers you see popping up in National Landing. It’s more grounded. The building itself serves as a mixed-use hub, primarily known for housing professional services, medical offices, and some pretty high-profile local businesses.
If you’re a local, you probably know it best because of the Inova presence or the various specialty healthcare providers that have called this address home. It’s one of those buildings that feels like a "service anchor." You don't necessarily go there to take a selfie for Instagram, but you go there because it’s where the high-quality local infrastructure lives.
The architecture? It’s classic Alexandria. Sturdy brick. Stately windows. It doesn't scream for attention, which is exactly why it fits into the 22314 aesthetic so well. While the rest of Northern Virginia is obsessed with looking like a futuristic "smart city," this corner of First Street keeps things a bit more traditional. It’s the kind of place where you can actually find a parking spot—usually—and that’s a miracle in Old Town.
Why the North End is Swallowing the Rest of Old Town
For a long time, King Street was the only game in town. If you weren't within two blocks of the trolley, you were "out of the way." That's dead now. The shift toward the North End, where 625 First Street sits, was sparked by a few big moves. First, the redevelopment of the old power plant site. Second, the influx of luxury condos like the Gables and the Muse.
Suddenly, the "industrial" side of town became the "it" side.
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Living or working near 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314 means you’re essentially at the gateway to the Mount Vernon Trail. You’ve got the Harris Teeter a couple blocks away, and if you're a coffee snob, you're close enough to grab a brew without the forty-minute wait you’d find at the waterfront Starbucks. It’s a more functional version of luxury. You get the cobblestone charm without the feeling that you’re living inside a museum.
The Real Estate Reality of 22314
Let’s talk numbers for a second because 22314 is one of the most competitive zip codes in the entire country. According to data from the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), the median home price in this area consistently dwarfs the national average, often hovering well above $800,000 for even modest units. Commercial space is even tighter.
If you're looking at 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314 from an investment perspective, you're looking at "recession-proof" real estate. Why?
- Proximity to the Pentagon and Amazon HQ2: You’re ten minutes from the biggest employers in the region.
- The "Walkability Score": This specific block has a walk score that usually registers in the high 80s or low 90s.
- The Waterfront Factor: You are literally blocks from the Potomac River.
People always ask if the market here is a bubble. It’s a fair question. But when you look at the vacancy rates for professional buildings in North Old Town, they stay remarkably low. The demand for office space that doesn't feel like a cubicle farm is huge. 625 First Street offers that "boutique" feel that small law firms, tech startups, and medical practices crave. They want to be in Alexandria, but they want their clients to be able to find a front door without a map and a compass.
Getting Around (The Commuter’s Secret)
One of the biggest misconceptions about 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314 is that it’s hard to get to. People think "Old Town" and they think "traffic nightmare."
That’s mostly true for the south end.
But up here? You have a strategic advantage. You can hop right onto Route 1 or the Parkway in about sixty seconds. You’re also roughly equidistant between the Braddock Road Metro and the new Potomac Yard-VT Metro station. It’s a sweet spot. If you work in DC but want to live or work in a place that feels like a real community, this is the geographic winner.
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You’ve also got the DASH bus system which, by the way, is free now. That’s a huge perk that people forget to mention. You can park near First Street and be at the King Street Metro in ten minutes without ever touching your wallet.
The Neighbor Factor: What’s Around the Corner?
You can’t talk about 625 First Street without talking about the food. Just a short walk away, you have Oak Steakhouse, which is arguably one of the best spots for a high-end dinner in the city. Then there's Sisters Thai—the "Living Room" concept there is legendary. It’s not just about the address; it’s about the fact that you can leave your office or condo and have world-class Thai food or a dry-aged ribeye within a five-minute walk.
And don't overlook the parks. Montgomery Park is right there. It has off-leash dog areas, which in Alexandria is basically the equivalent of having a golden ticket. The social scene at the dog park near First Street is probably more active than the local bars. It’s where deals are made and neighborhood gossip is traded.
A Bit of Nuance: The Challenges
Is everything perfect at 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314? No. Nothing is.
The biggest hurdle for this area is the ongoing construction. Because the North End is so desirable, there is always something being dug up. Whether it’s utility work or a new "ultra-luxury" mid-rise going up across the street, you have to deal with the growing pains of a neighborhood in high demand.
Also, the prices. Let’s be real. Alexandria isn't getting any cheaper. The property taxes in the 22314 zip code are a significant factor for any business or resident. You’re paying for the prestige and the location. Some might argue that you can find more "value" out in Fairfax or further south in Hyattstown, but you lose that intangible Old Town soul.
The Future of 625 First Street
As we look toward the next few years, the 625 First St Alexandria VA 22314 area is only going to become more integrated. We’re seeing a trend where "work" and "life" aren't just in the same neighborhood—they're in the same building.
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The city of Alexandria has been very intentional about the North Old Town Small Area Plan. They want more "vibrancy." They want more trees. They want better bike lanes. 625 First Street is right in the crosshairs of these improvements. Expect to see even more pedestrian-friendly upgrades and maybe some new retail pop-ups as the ground-floor spaces evolve.
Real Insights for the Curious
If you’re looking at this address for business, do it. The visibility is high, and the neighborhood "class" is undisputed. If you’re looking at it because you’re moving to the area, know that you’re choosing the "smarter" part of Old Town. You’re close enough to the action to feel the energy, but far enough away that you can hear the birds chirping on a Sunday morning.
Here is what you actually need to do if you're checking out the area:
First, don't just look at the building. Walk three blocks in every direction. Go toward the water. Walk over to Rivergate City Park and look back at the skyline. You’ll see why people pay the premium to be here.
Second, check the local transit schedules. If you're relying on the Metro, time the walk to Braddock Road. It’s about 15 minutes. It’s a nice walk, but in July, it’s a sweaty one.
Third, look into the parking situation if you’re a regular visitor. The garage at 625 First Street is a lifesaver, but street parking is a game of musical chairs that you’ll eventually lose if you aren't careful.
625 First St Alexandria VA 22314 isn't just a coordinate on a map. It’s a snapshot of what Alexandria is becoming—a place that honors its history but isn't afraid to build something new and functional. It’s not the flashy, tourist-trap version of Virginia. It’s the version where people actually live, work, and thrive.
Actionable Next Steps
- Visit during the "Golden Hour": Head to the area around 4:30 PM. See how the light hits the brick and get a feel for the commuter flow. It’s the best way to judge the vibe.
- Check the Tenant Directory: If you're looking for professional services, call ahead. Many of the offices at 625 First Street are by appointment only, and the building security is solid.
- Explore the Waterfront Path: From 625 First Street, walk directly east to the Potomac. This stretch of the Mount Vernon Trail is less crowded than the area by the Torpedo Factory and offers better views of the National Harbor across the water.
- Review the North Old Town Small Area Plan: If you're considering a long-term lease or purchase, Google the city's specific zoning plans for this block to see what future developments might impact your views or traffic patterns.